Folks have many reasons for wanting to age in place in their current home. Some like their proximity to family and friends, while others love participating in local events and activities. Nearly all want to maintain a sense of independence and control over their lives—particularly if their health needs change.

But here’s something you might not know: Choosing a Life Plan Community like Blue Skies of Texas in San Antonio can also help energetic seniors confidently age in place by offering well-appointed independent living residences, numerous on-site amenities, abundant social activities, and all levels of care right on campus.

To help you or your loved one make a choice that will ensure quality of life for years to come, we’ve put together a list of common questions about aging in place at a Life Plan Community.

AREN’T RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES DESIGNED FOR OLDER SENIORS WITH HEALTH CONCERNS?

If you’re picturing an “old folks’ home” where people just stay in their room or gaze at the scenery, you’re in for a surprise. Life Plan Communities are designed for seniors who have a zest for life and a passion for learning, teaching, growing, and contributing. And at Blue Skies in particular, calendars are packed with activities like pickleball, gardening, and volunteering at our library. In fact, many folks say they’re busier here than they were before retirement.

By making your move to independent living early, you’ll have more time to enjoy benefits like gracious amenities and exceptional senior wellness and enrichment programs—not to mention some wonderful dining options. Best of all, you can embrace each day engaging in pursuits you love, rather than chores like dusting the bookshelves or fertilizing the lawn.

DO RESIDENTS FORM STRONG SOCIAL CONNECTONS IN SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES?

At Life Plan Communities, folks may age in place, but they rarely sit in place. That’s because these communities offer a built-in social network and an extensive calendar filled with activities and new experiences—both on campus and in the surrounding community.

Blue Skies of Texas is filled with talented individuals who boast a diverse array of real-world experiences. No wonder many of our activities and clubs are resident organized. Also, people here are among the friendliest you’ll ever meet and are always inviting neighbors to share a meal, watch a ballgame, or play a round of bridge.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY HEALTH CARE NEEDS CHANGE?

Once you join the Blue Skies family under our Life Care or Continuing Care contract, you’re here to stay. You won’t have to move out of the community if your health care needs change. As a Blue Skies resident, you’ll have priority access to the level of care you need—with some of the best staff-to-resident ratios in the state.

Here are the award-winning health care options available at Blue Skies:

• Assisted living. Enjoy the comforts of home while receiving assistance with daily activities, as needed. Our spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments are designed to help you or your loved one stay independent and involved in life at Blue Skies.
• Memory care. For nearly three decades, Freedom House at Blue Skies has set the highest, most innovative standard of care for folks living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias—ensuring a life of meaning and purpose every day.
• Skilled nursing. Caring professionals attentively serve each person’s needs in beautifully designed suites nestled around common spaces to strengthen social connections.
• Rehabilitation. Short-term rehabilitation following surgery, accident, or illness helps you return home faster and resume your active lifestyle sooner.
• Hospice care. Bringing our services into residents’ homes, we follow the philosophy of patient choice, with an emphasis on comfort and dignity.

WHAT IS CARF-CCAC ACCREDITATION AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

CARF International awards CARF-CCAC accreditation to Life Plan Communities that meet rigorous, person-centered, and internationally recognized standards for senior living services. Only 17% of U.S. communities have earned this prestigious designation—and Blue Skies is one of them. What’s more, we’re the only community in Texas to have done so.

This recognition confirms that we’re committed to putting the needs of our residents and their families at the center of everything we do. No matter where you reside in the Blue Skies community, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality of care, services, programs, and facilities.

THIS ALL SOUNDS GREAT, BUT WHAT ABOUT UPFRONT COSTS?

Yes, Life Plan Communities do require an initial investment—but it’s an investment in your future well-being. Plus, the long-term benefits outweigh your entry costs. For example, locking-in predictable rates for future health care helps protect you from financial surprises down the line. And instead of paying separately for housing, amenities, and other services, you enjoy a comprehensive package covered by a simple monthly payment.

At Blue Skies of Texas, our long-term contract options offer the peace-of-mind that comes with guaranteed priority access to health care services for all levels of care. Should your financial situation change once you’re here, we also offer The Promise—our unique charitable mission to take care of our residents for the duration of their lives. If you run out of money through no fault of your own, we promise, through our charitable foundation, that you’ll always have a home at Blue Skies.

WELCOME TO WHAT CAN BE: SEE WHAT MAKES BLUE SKIES SO VIBRANT

Planning your next chapter? Finding a community where you feel comfortable, rejuvenated, and fulfilled can be a tall order. At Blue Skies, you’ll enjoy the lifestyle you want, knowing you’ll have all levels of care available to you, if you ever need them.

To learn more about San Antonio’s premier Life Plan Community, or schedule a tour, call 210-677-8666.